To the editor:

I couldn’t agree more with E.G. Hickman (Nov. 2, Public Forum) and his view regarding voting. However, I feel that they were too kind in a way. As I see it, there are few excuses for not voting. As citizens of this republic, we have many options at our disposal in which to cast a ballot such as early voting and absentee ballots.

I have heard many lame excuses as to why some decide not to vote, the most common one is “My vote doesn’t count.” Wrong.

I lived in Florida in 2000, and tried to vote. Sadly, due to a clerical mix-up, I was not registered to vote. How many votes swung the election in Florida? 583? Anyone who says their vote doesn’t count, then complains about their local, state or federal government and their representatives should know that they gave up the right to pitch a fit. You only get to gripe if you vote. No matter which side of the political fence you are on, it is now time to exercise your right to be heard. In other words, put up or shut up. Is that simple enough?

Steve Craven,

Lawrence